Multi-use flotation device

ABSTRACT

A multi-use flotation device (e.g.,  100 ) includes two end sections (e.g.,  101, 103 ) integrally connected to a central section (e.g.,  102 ). The central section is configured and arranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantly impeding a full range of movement of the appendages of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The end sections are characterized by respective geometric shapes that are generally wider than the central section. One of the end sections accommodates at least a head of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The other end section accommodates at least a derriere of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The two end sections and the central section together form a concave, unitary device.

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority upon U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.60/721,905, entitled “MINI FLOATATION DEVICE”, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e),which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to flotation devices and, inparticular, to a multi-use flotation device that permits a user to laycomfortably thereon while floating in the water without significantlyimpeding movement of the user's appendages (e.g., arms and/or legs).

Flotation devices are well known. Such devices come in variety of shapesand sizes and are available in inflatable and non-inflatable forms.Non-inflatable flotation devices (i.e., devices that float withoutrequiring air to be injected into any portion of them by the user) aretypically made from open cell or closed cell foam materials. A classicexample of an open cell flotation device is the water noodle. Closedcell foam flotation devices are available from various manufacturers,such as Texas Recreation Corporation of Wichita Falls, Tex.

Most flotation devices have a single intended use. For instance, a raftis intended to be laid upon while the user floats in a pool or otherbody of water; whereas, a floatable chair is intended to be sat in underthe same circumstances. However, these single use devices often impedeor restrict motion of the user's arms and/or legs during use, therebypreventing a full range of motion of the user's appendages. For example,the overall structure and configuration of the raft prevents a user fromflutter kicking in the water while lying on the raft. Additionally, auser can often not readily lower his or her arms or legs while restingin a floatable chair.

Other flotation devices have a variety of intended uses, includingpermitting full motion of the user's arms and/or legs. For example, theWATER JOGGER floating exerciser manufactured by Texas RecreationCorporation is one such device. The WATER JOGGER device is a generallynarrow, rectangular device that includes a notch or dip in a center areato accommodate a crotch of the user. Advertising for the WATER JOGGERdevice suggests that a user may use the device in various ways, such asby (i) straddling the device to keep the user's hair dry and hands freefor water games and/or aqua jogging, (ii) placing the devicetransversely under the head of the user for use as a headrest, (iii)placing the device transversely under the chest of the user for use as achest rest during forward flutter kicking, and (iv) placing the devicetransversely along the upper back and under the arms of the user for useas a back rest during backward flutter kicking.

While the WATER JOGGER device has several purported uses, it is notconfigured to accommodate a torso of a user and thereby allow a user tolay upon it. In other words, the WATER JOGGER device is not configuredto permit it to be used in a raft-like manner. Therefore, a user thatwants to float in a generally prostrate manner on his or her back orstomach must use an additional flotation device.

Therefore, a need exists for a flotation device that has multiple uses,including allowing a user to float on his or her back or stomach withoutsignificantly impeding the user's ability to move his or her arms and/orlegs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a multi-use flotation device in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the multi-use flotation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-use flotation device of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a multi-use flotation device in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multi-use flotation device of FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a multi-use flotation device in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a multi-use flotation device in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates one use of the flotation device of the presentinvention to support a user laying face up on the flotation device.

FIG. 9 illustrates another use of the flotation device of the presentinvention to support a user sitting in a first position on the flotationdevice.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another use of the flotation device of thepresent invention to support a user sitting in a second position on theflotation device.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another use of the flotation device of thepresent invention to support a user resting his/her arms on theflotation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordancewith the present invention, it should be observed that the embodimentsreside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related toimplementing a multi-use flotation device. Accordingly, the apparatuscomponents have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention soas not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

In this document, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top”and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entityor element from another entity or element without necessarily requiringor implying any actual such relationship or order between such entitiesor elements. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements, but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. A claim element proceeded by the article “a” or “an” doesnot, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatincludes the element.

Generally, the present invention encompasses a multi-use flotationdevice for use by a user in a body of water. The flotation deviceincludes two end sections integrally connected to a central section. Thecentral section is configured and arranged to accommodate a torso of theuser without significantly impeding a full range of movement of theappendages of the user when the user lays on at least the centralsection. The end sections are characterized by respective geometricshapes that are generally wider than the central section and optionallytaper toward the central section. One of the end sections accommodatesat least a head of the user when the user lays on at least the centralsection. The other end section accommodates at least a derriere of theuser when the user lays on at least the central section. The two endsections and the central section together form a concave, unitarydevice. In some embodiments, the flotation device has a generallyhour-glass shape and/or is constructed from closed cell foam. In otherembodiments, the tapering between the end sections and the centralsection, when included, is non-linear (e.g., curved) and/or the overalllength of the flotation device is selected to permit a full range ofmotion of the user's legs when the user is in a prostrate position.

By constructing a flotation device in this manner, the present inventionprovides a device that is sized and shaped to not only facilitatesitting or leaning upon the device, as does prior art multi-use devices,but also to facilitate laying upon the device while still maintaining asubstantially free range of motion of the user's arms and/or legs. Inother words, in contrast to prior art multi-use devices that facilitatemovement of a user's arms and legs but do not facilitate use of thedevice in a raft-like manner, the present invention provides a multi-useflotation device than can be used in a raft-like manner whilemaintaining the benefits of other multi-use devices.

The present invention can be more readily understood with reference toFIGS. 1-11, in which like reference numerals designate like items. FIGS.1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a multi-use flotation device 100 inaccordance with the present invention. The flotation device 100 includesa first end section 101, a central section 102, and a second end section103. The three sections 101-103 are integrally connected together,preferably without any separate fastening mechanisms, to form a unitarydevice.

The first end section 101 is preferably configured in a generallycircular shape to accommodate a head and possibly part of the shouldersof a user when the user lays on the flotation device 100 as contemplatedherein. The second end section 103 is also preferably configured in agenerally circular shape to accommodate a derriere and possibly part ofthe upper legs of a user when the user lays on the flotation device 100as contemplated herein. In alternative embodiments, the first and secondend sections 101, 103 may be other predetermined geometric shapes asdiscussed below. In a preferred embodiment, the flotation device 100 issymmetric along its length and/or width; therefore, the first endsection 101 may function as the second end section 103, or vice versa,depending on the orientation of the flotation device 100 with respect tothe user. FIG. 1 includes phantom lines to indicate the preferred,generally circular nature of the end sections 101, 103. In an embodimentof the present invention intended for use by older children and adults,the head end section 101 is preferably characterized by a radius 110 inthe range of approximately five (5) inches to approximately six (6)inches. In an embodiment intended for use by young children, the headend section 101 is preferably characterized by a radius 110 in the rangeof approximately four (4) inches to approximately five (5) inches. Thesecond end section 103 is preferably substantially identical to thefirst end section 101, but may be alternatively characterized by adifferent radius range or a different shape altogether.

The central section 102 of the flotation device 100 is configured andarranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantlyimpeding a full range of movement of the user's arms and/or legs whenthe user lays on the flotation device 100. The central section 102interconnects at a first end 105 with the first end section 101 andinterconnects at a second end 106 with the second end section 103. Theends 105, 106 of the central section 102 are identified by phantom linesand are used for reference only. In one embodiment intended for use byolder children and adults, the lineal distance between the ends 105, 106of the central section 102 is in the range of about twenty (20) inchesto about twenty-eight (28) inches. In an embodiment intended for use byyounger children, such lineal distance would, of course, be shorter(e.g., in the range of about sixteen (16) inches to about twenty-four(24) inches).

In an adult embodiment of the flotation device 100 depicted in FIGS.1-3, the central section 102 is preferably characterized by a minimumwidth 111 in the range of approximately six (6) inches to nine (9)inches and flares outward at each end 105, 106 to interconnect with theend sections 101, 103. Thus, when viewed from atop while the device 100rests in its intended operating position, the end sections 101, 103 ofthe flotation device 100 are wider at their widest points than thecentral section 102 of the flotation device 100 and taper toward andinterconnect with the central section 102 at the respective ends 105,106 of the central section 102. As illustrated in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 3, the taper from the end sections 101, 103 to the centralsection 102 is non-linear (e.g., curved). However, in alternativeembodiments, the taper may be linear (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7)or any combination of linear and non-linear.

In a preferred embodiment, the three sections 101-103 of the flotationdevice 100 have substantially the same thickness 201 in the range ofabout one (1) inch to about two (2) inches. Additionally, the overalllength of the flotation device 100 is selected such that a full range ofmotion may be achieved by a user of the device 100. For example, in oneembodiment, the overall length of the flotation device 100 isapproximately equal to the average length from the top of the head tothe top of the hamstring of the group of intended users of the device100. For instance, in an embodiment intended for use by older childrenand adults, the overall length of the flotation device 100 may be in therange of about forty-four (44) inches to about fifty (50) inches. Theoverall length for a device 100 intended for use by younger childrenwould be shorter (e.g., in the range of about thirty-two (32) inches toabout forty-four (44) inches).

The flotation device 100 may optionally include one or more apertures108, 109 (two shown) in the end sections 101, 103 to accommodate atleast part of a hand of the user. The apertures 108, 109 preferably actas handles to enable the user to carry the unitary flotation device 100to and from a desired destination (e.g., the pool or the beach). Theapertures 108, 109 may have other uses also, such as providing a meansby which a user can balance himself or herself while sitting on theflotation device 100 or providing a means by which the flotation device100 can be readily retrieved in the event that the user were to fall offthe device 100 for any reason. In one embodiment, the apertures 108, 109have a generally oval shape with a length in the range of about three(3) inches to about five (5) inches and a width in the range of aboutone (1) inch to about two (2) inches. One of ordinary skill in the artwill readily recognize that the apertures 108, 109 may be of othershapes and sizes as desired by the user.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate another embodiment of a multi-use flotation device400 in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1-3, the flotation device 400 includes two generallycircular end sections 401, 403 and a central section 402. However, incontrast to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the central section402 in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5 is generally rectangularinstead of flaring out at both ends. Additionally, the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 4-5 excludes the handle apertures 108, 109.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate further embodiments of a multi-use flotation device600, 700 in accordance with the present invention. Similar to theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the flotation device 600 of FIG. 6includes two end sections 601, 603 and a central section 602 that flaresout at both ends thereof. However, in contrast to the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1-3, the end sections 601, 603 in the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 6 are generally triangular instead of generallycircular. Similar to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4-5, theflotation device 700 of FIG. 7 includes two end sections 701, 703 and agenerally rectangular central section 702. However, in contrast to theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-5, the end sections 701, 703 in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 7 are generally triangular instead ofgenerally circular. Additionally, the flotation devices 600, 700depicted in FIGS. 6-7 exclude the handle apertures 108, 109 of theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1, although such apertures 108, 109 can beoptionally added to any of the alternative flotation devicescontemplated by the present invention.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the flotation device 100, 400has a generally hour-glass shape when viewed from atop or above when thedevice 100, 400 is in its intended use position. Alternatively, theflotation device may be embodied in other geometric shapes, such as amore traditional hour-glass shape as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, inwhich the end sections 601, 603, 701, 703 are straight or flat at theirrespective distal ends instead of being curved as are the end sections101, 103, 401, 403 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. For example, the endsections 101, 103 may be generally triangular shapes as illustrated inFIGS. 6-7, generally rectangular or square shapes, generally oval shapesor any other general shapes. In other embodiments, the flotation devicemay be any concave geometric shape, so long as the central section ofthe flotation device is configured and arranged to accommodate a torsoof the user without significantly impeding a full range of movement ofthe appendages (e.g., arms and/or legs) of the user when the user layson at least the central section. As used herein and in the appendedclaims, a “concave” device is one that has a shape in which ahypothetical line segment drawn between any two points inside the shapelies at least partially outside the shape.

The various configurations, arrangements and shapes of the flotationdevices 100, 400, 600, 700 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be constructedof closed cell foam using well known molding techniques. Closed cellfoam is available from a variety of manufacturers, including SpongexCorporation of Shelton, Conn. Alternatively, the flotation devices 100,400, 600, 700 may be constructed from open cell foam, inflatableplastics, or any other materials that are inherently buoyant or thatbecome buoyant upon insertion of air or any other gas or liquid.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various potential uses of the flotation device100, 400, 600, 700 of the present invention. For example, FIG. 8illustrates one use of the flotation device of the present invention tosupport a user laying face up on the device. For this use, at least thehead end section (e.g., 101) and the central section (e.g., 102) of theflotation device (e.g., 100) are preferably arranged and configured orsized and shaped to mitigate contact between the user's torso (e.g.,back) and the central section of the flotation device while the userlays on the device. Such configuration of the flotation device enablesthe user to effectively free-float with full or substantially full rangeof motion of the user's arms and legs. Such contact mitigation ispreferably accomplished by selecting dimensions of the flotation device,such that the user, when standing in the water, can grip one end section(e.g., 101, 103) of the flotation device with one hand and position itbehind his or her back while gripping the other end section with theother hand and pulling the other end section down to the user'sderriere, and then lean back to a horizontal floating position makingsure the flotation device is position to support the head as well as thelower torso/derriere.

FIG. 9 illustrates another use of the flotation device of the presentinvention to support a user sitting in a first position on the flotationdevice. In this position, the flotation device essentially forms afloating chair. Since the minimum width of the central section of theflotation device is sufficient to accommodate the average torso size ofthe intended group of users, the width of the central section of theflotation device is also sufficient to accommodate the average width ofthe buttocks of those same users. As a result, the flotation device canbe used as an aquatic chair.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another use of the flotation device of thepresent invention to support a user sitting in a second position on theflotation device. In this use scenario, the user straddles the centralsection of the device as if on a saddle. The width of the center sectionis preferably selected to balance the comfort level of the user whenusing the flotation device in either the chair use position of FIG. 9 orthe saddle use position of FIG. 10. In the preferred embodiment, theminimum width of the central section of the flotation device isapproximately six (6) to nine (9) inches for a flotation device intendedfor use by adults.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet another use of the flotation device of thepresent invention to support a user resting his/her arms on theflotation device. In this case, the user places the flotation device infront of him or her such that the flotation device is generallyperpendicular to the user. The user then rests his or her arms on top ofthe flotation device to assist with buoyancy.

As described above, the present invention encompasses a multi-useflotation device for use by a user in a body of water. With thisinvention, flotation device users may not only sit and/or lean upontheir flotation devices, as with prior art multi-use devices, but mayalso lay upon the device in a raft-like manner while still maintaining asubstantially free range of motion of the user's arms and/or legs. Inother words, the present invention provides a multi-use flotation devicethan can be used in a raft-like manner while maintaining the benefits ofother multi-use devices.

In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been describedwith reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments of the presentinvention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, orsolutions to become more pronounced are not to be construed as acritical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all theclaims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims includingany amendments made during the pendency of this application and allequivalents of those claims as issued.

1. A multi-use flotation device for use by a user in a body of water,the multi-use flotation device comprising: a central section configuredand arranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantlyimpeding a full range of movement of appendages of the user when theuser lays on at least the central section; a first end sectionintegrally connected to a first end of the central section, the firstend section characterized by a first predetermined geometric shape thatis generally wider than the central section, the first end sectionaccommodating at least a head of the user when the user lays on at leastthe central section; and a second end section integrally connected to asecond end of the central section, the second end section characterizedby a second predetermined geometric shape that is generally wider thanthe central section, the second end section accommodating at least aderriere of the user when the user lays on at least the central section,wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second endsection together form a concave, unitary device.
 2. The flotation deviceof claim 1, wherein the first predetermined geometric shape and thesecond predetermined geometric shape are substantially identical.
 3. Theflotation device of claim 1, wherein the first end section, the centralsection, and the second end section form a generally hour-glass shape.4. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein the first end section, thecentral section, and the second end section are constructed from aclosed cell foam material.
 5. The flotation device of claim 1, whereinat least one of the first end section and the second end section definesan aperture that accommodates at least part of a hand of the user andfacilitates at least carrying of the unitary device by the user.
 6. Theflotation device of claim 1, wherein the unitary device is furtherconfigured and arranged to have an overall length that permits a fullrange of motion of legs of the user.
 7. The flotation device of claim 1,wherein the central section is further configured and arranged tofacilitate a full range of motion of the appendages of the user when theuser lays on at least the central section.
 8. The flotation device ofclaim 1, wherein the first end section and the second end section eachtaper toward the central section.
 9. The flotation device of claim 8,wherein the first end section and the second end section each tapertoward the central section in a non-linear manner.
 10. The flotationdevice of claim 1, wherein at least the first end section and thecentral section are further configured and arranged to mitigate contactbetween the central section and the torso of the user when the user layson at least the central section.
 11. A multi-use, non-inflatableflotation device for use by a user in a body of water, the multi-useflotation device comprising: a central section configured and arrangedto accommodate a torso of the user without significantly impedingmovement of appendages of the user in the water when the user lays on atleast the central section; a generally circular first end sectionintegrally connected to a first end of the central section, the firstend section having a radius in the range of approximately five inches toapproximately six inches and tapering toward the central section, thefirst end section accommodating at least a head of the user when theuser lays on at least the central section; and a generally circularsecond end section integrally connected to a second end of the centralsection, the second end section having a radius in the range ofapproximately five inches to approximately six inches and taperingtoward the central section, the second end section accommodating atleast a derriere of the user when the user lays on at least the centralsection, wherein the first end section, the central section, and thesecond end section together form a concave, unitary device.
 12. Theflotation device of claim 11, wherein the first end section, the centralsection, and the second end section form a generally hour-glass shape.13. The flotation device of claim 1 1, wherein the first end section,the central section, and the second end section are constructed from aclosed cell foam material.
 14. The flotation device of claim 11, whereinat least one of the first end section and the second end section definesan aperture that accommodates at least part of a hand of the user andfacilitates at least carrying of the unitary device by the user.
 15. Theflotation device of claim 11, wherein the unitary device is furtherconfigured and arranged to have an overall length that permits a fullrange of motion of legs of the user.
 16. The flotation device of claim11, wherein the central section is further configured and arranged tofacilitate a full range of motion of the appendages of the user when theuser lays on at least the central section.
 17. The flotation device ofclaim 11, wherein the first end section and the second end section eachtaper toward the central section in a non-linear manner.
 18. Theflotation device of claim 11, wherein at least the first end section andthe central section are further configured and arranged to mitigatecontact between the central section and the torso of the user when theuser lays on at least the central section.
 19. The flotation device ofclaim 10, wherein the concave, unitary device has a thickness in therange of approximately one inch to approximately two inches.